Here is a great video I just found - hope you enjoy it! Question - What does acappella mean?

Mario Bros. A Cappella Live!

7th Grade Choir Course Description:

7th Grade Honors Chorus is a non-auditioned mixed vocal ensemble open to students in 7th grades. Chorus is an elective curricular class and meets 2 days a week with optional 3rd.

In 7th Grade Honors Chorus, students focus on the basics of healthy vocal production, music reading, and choral & solo singing skills. Students are exposed to a wide variety of vocal literature covering a large array of styles, languages, and cultures. Emphasis is placed on daily participation and concert performance. Students are expected to bring a positive attitude, give 100% effort, and strive to improve upon their natural musical abilities.

Performing Opportunities:

Performing experiences make for the culmination of most of our work in chorus. Performances are required for the course, and an integral part of the curriculum. 7th Grade Chorus students perform in annual Fall and Winter Concerts as well as at the Bristol Fine Arts Festival in the Spring. 7th Grade Honors Choir students have an option of performing at a Theme Park in the Spring. Students are are encouraged to try out for the Solo’s and Ensemble in some fashion. In addition, VMS singers can be found once or twice each semester singing for various community functions in Bristol.

Course Objectives:

1.) Students will develop personal vocal singing skills and healthful vocal techniques.2.) Students will discover what it is to sing as an ensemble and develop ensemble singing skills including harmony singing, blending, and balance.3.) Students will develop beginning choral music-reading skills and learn to sight-sing using solfege syllables and rhythm counting systems. 4.) Students will study a variety of music of many styles, genres, cultures, languages, and historical periods. 5.) Students will develop a sense of belonging and accomplishment. 6.) Students will have fun and develop a life-long love of singing and singing together.

Required Materials:

To be brought to class each period.

œ Clothing that allows for movement

œ Choir notebook

œ Writing implement

œ Active and ready mind and body

œ A willing spirit

œ Any current handouts/scenes/monologues/

Various scripts and handouts

Expectations

Follow Directions Respect

When someone is speaking everyone listens Kindness

Keep feet, hands, and objects to yourself Politeness

No profanity, putdowns, or insults Cooperation

No eating or drinking in the classroom/theater Challenge Yourself

Absences

A choir class is, by definition, a course in which participation in in-class activities counts heavily in the success of the

course and the students. Material covered in class cannot be repeated or made up.

Truancies = “U” Citizenship grade for the semester.

Tardies

Instruction begins when the bell rings. Any student not in their seat is tardy. Student will be given and unexcused tardy.

A = *Completed assignment at a superior level of effort and understanding

*Demonstrated mastery of pertinent skills and full comprehension of material

*Went above and beyond the assigned materials to achieve at the highest level

C = *Completed the assignment at a satisfactory level of comprehension and effort

F = *Failed to complete the assigned work at a satisfactory level of effort

Grades will be weighted as follows:

45% Performances. Students will perform several selections in class and will be assessed on quality

and preparation. Students must be prepared when called upon to perform or receive no credit for the

assignment.

35% Tests and Paperwork. Students will be held accountable for the material studied in class by taking

tests and producing supporting paperwork.

20% Citizenship. Because choir is an ensemble-oriented class, a student’s citizenship grade is incorporated into the academic grade. This is evaluated through attitude, participation and time on task as related to the objectives of this course.

Extra Credit. There may be opportunities for extra credit but don’t count on it to raise a grade if other assignments are left undone. Attendance at any live performance of a play or musical, on campus or off,can be used to earn extra credit points. Playbill and ticket stub must be attached to a typed review in the

appropriate format. This will not replace a grade for a missed assignment, but will supplement overall grade.